American Airlines plans free Wi-Fi on 90% of fleet from 2026

American Airlines has announced plans to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi starting in January 2026, exclusively for members of its AAdvantage loyalty program. This initiative, in partnership with AT&T, aims to provide connectivity on approximately 90% of the airline's fleet, which translates to over two million flights annually. While American's current Wi-Fi service incurs charges, this new free offering follows similar moves by rival airlines, including Delta and United, which have also begun rolling out complimentary Wi-Fi for their frequent flyers. American Airlines will use high-speed satellite services from Viasat and Intelsat for this initiative, although its widebody aircraft with Panasonic Wi-Fi will not be included. The airline has conducted successful tests of the Wi-Fi service on select routes, exceeding performance expectations. With this upgrade, American aims to enhance the flying experience by allowing passengers to stay connected while traveling.